In a historic moment for Major League Soccer’s newest team, San Diego FC, the top seed in the Western Conference after an impressive inaugural 2025 season with 68 points (20-6-6) takes on the Portland Timbers in Game 1 of their Round One Best-of-3 series at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego vs Portland Timbers first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoffs campaign begins on Sunday.
The Toreros ended their debut season with a commanding 4-0 win over Portland on October 19, securing first place, but entered the playoffs amid some off-field drama: star winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is questionable following a mid-October incident that may sideline him for disciplinary reasons, along with minor injury concerns for midfielder Marcus Ingvartsen (ankle).
Portland, the eighth seed, arrives riding high after a 3-1 Wild Card upset over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, led by goals from Felipe Mora and Antony.
Their injury list remains light, with Jonathan Fory (hip) and Jhon Mosquera (muscle) out until late October, but Maxime Crépeau (head) returns to guard the net after a recent issue.
San Diego’s league-leading attack, boasting 62 goals this season, faces off against Portland’s impressive road record of 6-4-5, setting the stage for an electrifying playoff opener under the San Diego lights.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers – 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Date, Time, Predictions, and More
The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs’ Western Conference marquee opener contrasts San Diego’s explosive debut against Portland’s battle-tested grit in a series that could hinge on wide play and set-pieces.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. USA, Canada, and Australian fans, it’s late-night action—perfect for West Coast vibes and early Monday wake-ups Down Under.
Predictions favor a San Diego FC 2-1 win, capitalizing on home advantage (13-2-2, 2.3 goals per game) and recent H2H dominance, though Portland’s Wild Card fire adds upset potential. This San Diego vs Portland Timbers preview unpacks tactics, streams, and insights for your playoff kickoff.
- Date and Time – Sunday, Oct. 26 | 9:30 pm ET/6:30 pm PT
- Stadium – Snapdragon Stadium | San Diego, California
- San Diego FC
- Standings: Western Conference No. 1
- Regular season: 63 points (19W-9L-6D)
- Portland Timbers
- Standings: Western Conference No. 8
- Regular season: 44 points (11W-12L-11D)
Team News and Analysis
San Diego FC’s fairy-tale debut—topping the West by nine points—showcases summer signings blending seamlessly, but the playoffs test depth without Lozano’s flair (12 goals, 8 assists).
Confirmed: Ingvartsen (ankle, doubtful after limited training); Lozano (disciplinary, 50/50 per Friday’s briefing). Positively, forward Pipo Derani (15 goals) and midfielder Cristian Borja return fit, with goalkeeper Joe Bendik anchoring a defense that conceded just 28 league-wide.
Coach Nate Miller eyes a 4-3-3 to exploit Portland’s flanks, leveraging 59% possession and 22% goals from counters.
Portland’s Cinderella story, grabbing the No. 8 seed through the Wild Card, hides an average regular season performance (11-10-11, 46 points), but Phil Neville’s team thrives in chaotic situations.
Absences include Fory (hip, out), Mosquera (muscle, out until November); Crépeau has been cleared after a head injury.
Antony (9 goals) and Mora (11 goals) dazzle up top, with David Ayala providing midfield steel. The Timbers’ press has forced 16 turnovers per game, but away concessions (1.5 per match) expose vulnerabilities to San Diego’s pace.
Analysis: San Diego’s fluid attack (top xG at 1.9 per game) overwhelms Portland’s transitions, but the visitors’ set-piece prowess (28% goals) and Mora’s hold-up could snag a road goal. Expect a frantic pace, with San Diego’s bench depth—featuring loanee talents—tilting halftime adjustments.
- San Diego MLS form: W L D L W W
- Portland Timbers MLS form: L D D L L W
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Head-to-Head Record
In their short MLS history, San Diego holds a 1-0-1 advantage over Portland in three matchups, including a decisive 4-0 win last month. Games average 2.67 goals, highlighted by San Diego’s dominance (58% possession) and Portland’s late comebacks.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | San Diego FC 4-0 Portland Timbers | 4-0 |
| Jul 13, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | Portland Timbers 1-1 San Diego FC | 1-1 |
| Mar 29, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | San Diego FC 2-1 Portland Timbers | 2-1 |
Snapdragon Stadium has been a fortress for San Diego (2-0-0 vs. Portland), amplifying the stakes for this playoff bow.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Predicted XI Lineups
San Diego Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Dos Santos; Harangi, McVey, Duah, Bombino; Valakari, Godoy, Tverskov; Dreyer, Baird, Pellegrino
Portland Timbers Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Pantemis; Mosquera, Miller, Surman, Fory; Ayala, Chara, Pereira Da Costa; Antony, Kelsy, Velde
According to Miller and Neville’s Saturday sessions, San Diego plans to position Lozano centrally if cleared, with Rubio taking the wide role.
Meanwhile, Portland is set to place Antony on the right to provide width, assuming Evander remains fit after his recent return. Late-game substitutions could include Vasic for San Diego and Pantemis for Portland.
Key Players
- San Diego FC: Pipo Derani – The Brazilian forward’s movement and finishing (15 goals, 1.1 xG per game) shredded Portland last time; his link-up with Borja unlocks the right channel.
- Portland Timbers: David Da Costa – The Portugal attacking midfielder’s poise (4 goals and 6 Assists) shines in the playoffs; fresh off a Wild Card brace, his aerial threat (winning 62% duels) tests San Diego’s center-backs.
San Diego vs Portland Timbers Match Prediction
San Diego’s inaugural playoff magic and home roar eclipse Portland’s underdog spark in a lively opener, with Derani’s edge securing a series lead amid wide-open exchanges. The Timbers respond but fall short late.
- Predicted score: San Diego FC 2-1 Portland Timbers. A tense victory launches the Toreros’ dream run.
Where to Watch San Diego vs Portland Timbers 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe
Stream San Diego FC vs Portland Timbers live with these MLS playoffs options, designed for night owls and early birds alike:
- USA: Exclusive on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass; also on FuboTV. Starts 9:30 PM ET.
- Canada: Apple TV MLS Season Pass or DAZN Canada. 9:30 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Begins 2:30 PM AEDT (Monday, October 27).
- Europe: Apple TV MLS Season Pass; Sky Sports for select. Local: beIN Sports (France/Spain), Viaplay (Nordics).
Highlights drop on the MLS app right after. ExpressVPN handles any geo-fences. Vamos SDFC or PTFC—witness history unfold!